✨ the SPARK 162 ~ An AH-MAZING find!
Welcome to the 162nd issue of the SPARK. A weekly newsletter where inspiration meets real online strategies, behind-the-scenes stories, and a boatload of valuable resources.
Hi, Reader,
One of my favorite things on TikTok is watching people say things out loud that I’ve only thought before or hadn’t ever considered sharing online (watch out, though… because ya’ girl is bringing back #EverythingIsContent).
One video I recently watched was a Mom of three in her early 40s calling out all the young fitness influencers who say things like, “We all have the same 24 hours each day.”
To which she rantingly replied, “No, no, we don’t!”
Then, she proceeded to run through a typical day in her life.
She was lucky if she was able to find 30 minutes to herself to do basic things like get ready or brush her teeth.
I’m sure most moms can relate to that feeling.
I always felt the same way when I was reading/listening to any young marketing bro preach about his productivity, morning routine, and 2-hour-a-day gym workout.
Yes, we all have 24 hours a day, but they’re hardly “the same” 24 hours.
This is why you have to make sure that you’re following the right path for you.
Earlier this week, I woke up feeling “off” one morning.
I wasn’t exactly sure why, but I was crabby and ready for the holidays to be over.
The same day, I was heading down to my sister’s to bring her a bed frame I had in storage and take care of a few errands.
I wasn’t really in the mood, but I knew that getting out of the house (it’s a 2-hour drive each way), changing up my routine, and taking care of something was probably the best thing I could do with those 24 hours.
Even before I got on the road, I knew that by the same time the next day, I’d probably feel a lot better.
And I was right.
I hung out with my sister & niece, had a nice dinner, played a couple of games of Rummikub (I’m so obsessed), stayed the night, and went home feeling more at ease.
The lesson here is not to make everything a “today problem.”
No matter what stage you’re at in your business, what goals you did or didn’t achieve this year, or how amped you are about getting a jump on 2024… it doesn’t all have to be done today.
Maybe it’s an age thing, or maybe it’s all the therapy and work I’ve done on myself, but there is something so delicious about letting things percolate.
I always know when I’m on the verge of something:
- a breakthrough
- an a-ha moment
- the ‘right’ idea
I never try to force it.
I LOVE that feeling of “Omg, something amazing is coming. I don’t know exactly what it is, but here we gooooooo!”
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Learning to discern what is and isn’t a priority is key to growing your business.
It’s also vital to your health and well-being.
Be good to yourself.
SPARK Spotlight 🔥
I’m so fired up about this that I had to spotlight the podcast this week. Yep…I’m bringing #EverythingIsContent back. Here’s a quick guide to getting started. Listen here.
A Little Brainpower 🧠
Something new with SEO? Read “Google Adds a New Way to Create a Following From SEO.”
I love this. “What It Actually Took for Me to Build a Full-Time Income as a Content Creator.”
Tool Time 🛠
My AH-MAZING find! This first tool deserves a longer mention than just a link. “Create a working presentation, document, or webpage you can refine and customize in under a minute using our powerful AI generator.”
I put in one paragraph of text, and it created a beautiful PDF in less than a minute. The best part? Every single element is editable. Think page builder + Canva + ChatGPT. Blew me away! 🤯
- Google AI: A virtual research assistant that can summarize facts, explain complex ideas, and brainstorm new connections — all based on the sources you select. Try NotebookLM free here.
- Mapping: Map your customer journey – or your clients, users, patients, and more. Mapping is free. Try theydo free here (management is pricey!).
- Video: Create short video ads from a product link or text description. Try Creatify free here.
Here’s to a wonderful end of the year!
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I’ve officially turned the vacation autoresponder on!
Even though I’m not running an agency or have lots of clients who need me, I needed to do this for myself this year.
In a way, it was a permission slip to me to be easy about the next week, enjoy time with family, and soak up every minute.
I won’t be totally unplugged, but I didn’t want to feel like I “had” to do anything. I’ll be out of town for four days and have every intention of being present with my family.
If you’re celebrating Christmas, I hope you have a wonderful time. If you’re not, I hope you enjoy the quiet and take some time for yourself.
Happy Holidays, my friends,
Kim
